Legislative changes along with a new political environment in Canada mean the topic of medical marijuana will likely pick up steam in the coming months and years.

While much is unclear, Mike Sullivan lays out important factors for benefit plan sponsors to weigh in his article, “Clearing the Haze: Medical Marijuana Considerations for Plan Sponsors,” the cover article in the January/February issue of Plans & Trusts. Sullivan is co-founder and president of Cubic Health Inc. a Toronto-based health benefit analytics and drug plan management company.

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Health Canada does not endorse the use of medical marijuana. Medical marijuana has neither Health Canada approval as a “drug” nor a drug identification number. Most health plans require both to be eligible for reimbursement, so they haven’t covered medical marijuana in the past.

[Related: Canadian Health and Wellness Innovations Conference, February 14-17, Phoenix, Arizona]

But with the Liberal Party now in control of the federal government, there has been more discussion about the legalization of marijuana. Sullivan predicts plan sponsors will feel even more pressure to consider including coverage of medical marijuana in their benefit plans.

mike sullivan bit 2
Watch Mike Sullivan, B.S.P., M.B.A., RPh, discuss the latest issues surrounding medical marijuana in this Benefit Bits Video.

He outlines some of the major considerations:

  • Cost and plan design: At the end of 2015, licensed producers charged an average price of $7.50 per gram. Assuming use of up to 3 grams per day, the annual cost could easily exceed $8,000, elevating medical marijuana to the realm of a specialty drug from a cost perspective. Plan sponsors will need to look at current plan design and eliminate inefficiencies to be in a position to absorb those additional costs.
  • Dosing and use: Current legislation doesn’t restrict the daily amount of medical marijuana that can be authorized, although there is a possession limit. While so far there is little conclusive scientific evidence of medical marijuana’s effectiveness, the list of conditions it treats is rapidly growing. Patients don’t have to disclose to a licensed producer their reason for taking the product. The lack of dosing restrictions and ever-growing list of applications would make it challenging for plan sponsors, claims processors and insurance carriers to manage claims.
  • Legal: Some workplaces have zero-tolerance policies for drugs and alcohol, and it will take time to determine how medical marijuana will be considered (if at all) in such environments.  There also are legal questions related to an employer’s duty to accommodate a member’s medical conditions.

Because of all the uncertainty surrounding coverage of medical marijuana and the fact that the medical marijuana industry is in its infancy, Sullivan recommends plan sponsors revisit the issue annually.


Kathy Bergstrom, CEBS
Editor, Publications at the International Foundation

 

 

 

Kathy Bergstrom, CEBS

Editor, Publications at the International Foundation

Favorite Foundation service/product: Benefits Magazine and Plans & Trusts

Benefits related topics that interest her most: Financial literacy, health and wellness programs

Favorite Foundation conference moment: Hearing attendees sing “O, Canada” at Canadian Annual in addition to hearing the anthem sung in both French and English.

Personal Insight: Whether she’s collecting information for a magazine story or hanging out with her family and friends, you know Kathy is fully engaged. Her listening ear and introspective nature provide reassuring presence to those enjoying her company.

2 thoughts on “Future of Medical Marijuana Coverage in Canada

  1. Mario Clusiau

    Since April 2014, Health Canada requires only a doctor’s prescription to legally purchase marijuana. (Benefits and Pensions monitor, Sept 2014) So, when you say Health Canada does not endorse the use of medical marijuana…it’s not right.

    Also, CRA says you can claim medical marijuana on your taxes. (Financial Post, 10 September 2015).

    We are not so far from the day an insured will expect his/her group plan covering such a “drug”.

    Just to give an heads up on that point.

    Mario

    1. Kathy Bergstrom

      Thanks for your helpful comments. The author’s full article contains more information about Health Canada’s role with regard to medical marijuana. It will be interesting to watch this issue evolve.

Comments are closed.

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